Frankfurt Motor Show rumors: VW unveiling ultra-cheap ride
Due to its unique shape and low cost, the VW Beetle is perhaps the most recognizable vehicle ever to grace international roads. Since the original Bug faded away into history, the folks in Wolfsburg seem to have gotten away from budget wheels in favor of high-quality, but pricey, offerings. That's all about to change, however, as Volkswagen plans to unveil their blueprint for a new bargain VW at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The noble idea is to produce a vehicle for under €8,000 while retaining the look and feel that VW customers have come to expect. With the high cost of labor in Europe, the idea may seem like a pipe dream, but VW's plants in China and Mexico should be able to get the job done. We're probably not the only ones that hope V-dub can pull this one off.
[Source: The German Car Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 9:09AM (7/23/2007)
Yeah, I'm sure quality will only improve more now...no thanks. I just bought a used BMW 325Ci (thanks to my Jetta which suffered engine death at a mere 127k miles) and I am in love with it. Never going back to VW...I want a German car built with German engineering in Germany.
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Eduardo 9:38AM (7/23/2007)
This car is probably the NF "low cost" project, which will be based on PQ 24 platform (Polo 9N/9N2)
Also, it is scheduled for launch in november here in Brasil, and it will be using Volks' strongest model name here "Gol"
Then, according to rumors spread in the local media, it could have a GTI version with the 1.4T (130 hp, not the TFSI) or even the 1.8T (150 hp)
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Mike 11:26AM (7/23/2007)
The 1.8T only gets 150 HP in Brazil? My '02 Jetta 1.8T was 180 HP.
Eduardo 12:39PM (7/23/2007)
Mike, the reason for the 150 hp is simple, not to "cannibalise" Golf GTI sales, as the older Golf GTI had these 180 hp engine (similar to yours) and the "new" Mk 4.5 GTI (local) was upgraded to 190 hp (193 cv / ps in other figures)
And then there's another reason, it will be far more cheaper than the Golf, of course
jason 9:43AM (7/23/2007)
So will these also start to smell like crayons and have even more electrical problems?
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Hamud 9:44AM (7/23/2007)
They already have this "ultra-cheap ride" here in Brazil, is called GOL, and its cousing, the FOX. I bet you can't get a car any cheaper...
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Daniel 12:55AM (7/24/2007)
I bought a Kia sedona, like the ride in it. But I always like new information about cars. I have a request ...it will be more helpful if you post something on car loans because you have all the information about all company cars, so I just asked you.
Daniel.
http://financeguide101.com/
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MF 9:56AM (7/23/2007)
"High quality"? Are you serious?
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goat 10:14AM (7/23/2007)
Is this the rear-engine project there were rumors about recently?
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Moonzie 10:47AM (7/23/2007)
Because European dollar is appreciating constantly, the cost of VW is higher than other competitors, even produce in Mexico, because VW usually has higher cost than the rival, the financial burden causing VW heavy, in order to strengthen their competitiveness and developing country's low-priced workforce of the use, VW determines to research and develop the car in China for the American market.
Welcome to AmeriChinaB2B( http://www.acb2b.com/ ) to begin your business trip of China.
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Mal Fuller 11:32AM (7/23/2007)
Chris Shunk wrote, "Since the original Bug faded away into history, the folks in Wolfsburg seem to have gotten away from budget wheels in favor of high-quality, but pricey, offerings."
Well, pricey anyway.
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TRAVIS D 11:53AM (7/23/2007)
haha funny...NOT!! VW quality is the best i seen in the price range while shopping, everything else had enormous seems, cheap plastic, and felt as if they cut corners whenever they could, but as soon as i got in a VW it just seemed to have more quality than the rest. now the reliability i have yet to see, but the quality is there over every sub $25,000 car i test drove, and there was a lot.
Mal Fuller 12:05PM (7/23/2007)
Good luck with your new prize Travis D and be sure to keep an eye on those "seems".
Mal Fuller 12:22PM (7/23/2007)
Good luck Travis D with your new ride. Be sure to keep a close eye on those "seems."
epilonious 12:51PM (7/23/2007)
Travis: Judging a car by it's seams is like judging a book by it's cover. Several VWs, while pleasant enough for the first couple of years, started to have major electrical/mechanical issues at relatively low mileage... and I doubt the snazzy fit and finish assuaged their owners' rage while they were stranded on the side of the road after their rusted-out ignition module stranded them or a sludged turbo-4 went kaput.
Meanwhile, most of the VW's "competitors" can be had for less than 20,000. I am guessing you picked 25,000 as a number because yours came out to 23,495.
... 11:55AM (7/23/2007)
Lol, ultra cheap for vw must be around 20k. Loaded of course.
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Calebe 2:04PM (7/23/2007)
I'll pass. I wouldnt mind a low price car but i has to last and not be in the shop. Some VW's are cool looking, I think the the new GTI in white looks like a Star Wars Storm Trooper. I'm just no willing to live with their crappy dealers and service departments.
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Kotse 2:14PM (7/23/2007)
My idea of a nice low-cost ultraride would be a re-issue of the classic Karmann Ghia body..albeit using a modified previous Golf IV/New Beetle platform utilizing a water cooled rear engine/rwd config...
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Max Merak 3:10PM (7/23/2007)
I like VW styling and don't mind driving one. The reliability ratings have hurt VW's image, but the cars to have good road manners and safety. What has been the deal-killer for me has been the price. The Rabbit's mileage is about where a Focus is (mid-twenties in combined driving), but runs you at least nineteen grand. The GTI will run you in the upper twenties with just a few options. And the Beetle--the People's Car--starts at $17,200.
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solo 5:31PM (7/23/2007)
I must be missing something, My mum's polo costed around 10k euro, including 21% tax, and it's not even the cheapest VW ride. And it's not built in a third world country. And high quality is somewhat relative, if you like engine sludge, electrical gremlins, failing clutches, failing lights...
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